Introduction to Strawberry Shortcake Cake
Why Strawberry Shortcake Cake is a Must-Try
If you're looking to impress at your next gathering or treat yourself to something delightful, strawberry shortcake cake is an experience you shouldn't miss. This sweet, layered dessert combines fluffy vanilla cake with fresh strawberries and a decadent cream cheese frosting, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that’s simply irresistible.
What makes this cake a go-to? First, consider the fresh strawberries that add a burst of flavor and a beautiful pop of color. Strawberries are not only delicious but also packed with Vitamin C and antioxidants, making them a delightful addition to your plate. Plus, summer is the perfect season to showcase these vibrant berries, inviting sunshine into every bite.
The cake itself is easy to make and comes together quickly, whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro. You can find tips on using room-temperature ingredients here. The balance of the light, fluffy cake against the rich frosting is simply heavenly—plus, it's visually appealing, making it a perfect centerpiece for any occasion.
So why wait? Embrace the sweetness of strawberries and create your very own strawberry shortcake cake that’s sure to leave a memorable mark!
Ingredients for Strawberry Shortcake Cake
Creating a delightful strawberry shortcake cake is all about choosing the right ingredients. Here's a breakdown to help you gather everything you need for this sweet treat.
Essential Ingredients List
To get started, you'll need the following essentials to create the cake, filling, and frosting:
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Cake:
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2½ cups all-purpose flour
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3 teaspoons baking powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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1¾ cups granulated sugar
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½ cup vegetable or canola oil
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2 large eggs (room temperature)
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2 large egg whites (room temperature)
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2½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
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⅔ cup sour cream
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¾ cup milk (whole or 2%, room temperature)
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Filling:
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3 cups fresh strawberries (sliced or diced)
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Frosting:
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8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
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2¼ cups heavy whipping cream (really cold)
Optional Ingredients for Enhancement
Though the above ingredients create a fantastic strawberry shortcake cake, consider adding these optional ingredients for extra flair:
- Almond Extract: A splash can elevate the flavor profile.
- Strawberry Jam: For added sweetness in the filling.
- Whole Fresh Strawberries: Perfect for garnishing and an extra fruity kick.
Experimenting with these optional ingredients can personalize your cake. If you're interested in variations, check out this highly-rated strawberry shortcake variation for even more inspiration!
Happy baking!
Preparing Strawberry Shortcake Cake
Creating a delightful strawberry shortcake cake is not only an enjoyable experience but also a rewarding one. With its layers of tender cake, fresh strawberries, and irresistible whipped cream frosting, this dessert is perfect for any gathering. Here’s how to bring this cake to life!
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Before diving into the baking process, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. For the cake, you’ll need:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1¾ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable or canola oil
- 2 large eggs and 2 large egg whites
- 2½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional but recommended)
- ⅔ cup sour cream and ¾ cup milk
For the filling, gather 3 cups of sliced or diced fresh strawberries, along with 2 tablespoons of strawberry jam. Lastly, for the frosting, you’ll require cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy whipping cream.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until fully combined. This step is crucial as it evenly distributes the leavening agent throughout the flour, leading to a more uniform rise. Set this mixture aside while you work on the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Combining Wet Ingredients
Using a stand mixer (or a hand mixer), combine the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, egg whites, and both extracts until blended. Then, add in the sour cream and mix until smooth. Gradually incorporate half of the dry ingredient mixture, followed by the milk, and finally the remaining dry mixture. Remember, be cautious not to overmix—this ensures a light texture.
Step 4: Bake the Cakes
Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare three 8-inch cake pans by greasing and lining them with parchment paper. Evenly distribute your batter among the pans. Once they’re in the oven, bake for 18-22 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick. When it comes out clean, your cakes are ready. Cool them completely on a wire rack.
Step 5: Prepare the Strawberry Filling
While your cakes cool, it’s time to prepare the strawberry filling. Combine your sliced strawberries with the strawberry jam in a bowl. This mixture not only enhances the flavor but adds moisture to your strawberry shortcake cake.
Step 6: Make the Whipped Cream Frosting
In a new mixing bowl, toss in the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth. Maintaining that cold temperature, gradually pour in the heavy cream while whipping until you achieve stiff peaks—this will give your frosting that luxurious texture!
Step 7: Assemble the Cake
Now for the fun part—assembly! Place your first cake layer on a serving platter. Spread one-third of your whipped cream frosting on top, followed by about 1¼ cups of your prepared strawberry filling. Repeat this process with the second layer. For the top layer, lavish the remaining frosting, and crown it with the remaining strawberries. If you like, garnish with whole strawberries for that extra touch!
This strawberry shortcake cake not only looks stunning but tastes divine. Enjoy making this cake for your next celebration or a cozy gathering with friends! For more delicious dessert ideas, check out Celebrating Sweets.
Variations on Strawberry Shortcake Cake
Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake
Imagine a rich chocolate sponge cake layered with luscious strawberries and whipped frosting. For this variation, simply substitute half of your all-purpose flour with unsweetened cocoa powder. The result? A decadent chocolate strawberry shortcake cake that's perfect for any celebration. Top with chocolate shavings and a drizzle of chocolate syrup for a visually stunning dessert!
Gluten-Free Strawberry Shortcake
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend. This variation allows everyone to enjoy the delightful flavors of strawberry shortcake cake without any gluten. Be sure to check that your baking powder is gluten-free, and consider adding a touch of almond extract to enhance the flavor profile. With the right modifications, your gluten-free guests won't even know they're missing out!
For more tips on gluten-free baking and variations, check out King Arthur Baking's resource.
Cooking Tips and Notes for Strawberry Shortcake Cake
Butter vs. Oil
When making a strawberry shortcake cake, you might wonder whether to use butter or oil. Each fat brings its own unique texture and flavor to the cake. Butter gives a rich taste and tender crumb, while oil yields a moister cake with an attractive lightness. In this recipe, we opt for oil to ensure a fluffy, soft cake that perfectly complements the strawberries.
Why Room Temperature Ingredients Matter
Using room temperature ingredients is crucial for achieving a well-emulsified batter. Eggs and milk blend more seamlessly when they are not cold, helping to create a fluffier cake. If you’re short on time, a quick soak of eggs in warm water or a few seconds in the microwave for the milk works wonders—resulting in a strawberry shortcake cake that’s irresistibly light and airy!
For more tips and techniques on cake-making, check out this cake resource.
Serving Suggestions for Strawberry Shortcake Cake
Ideal Pairings
This delicious strawberry shortcake cake pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments. Consider serving it alongside:
- Whipped cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast.
- A side of fresh berries (like blueberries or raspberries) to add a pop of color.
- A refreshing herbal tea or sparkling water infused with lemon or mint to cleanse your palate.
Presentation Tips
Presentation can elevate your strawberry shortcake cake from delightful to stunning. Here are a few suggestions:
- Use a cake stand to give your cake a beautiful height.
- Garnish the top with whole, fresh strawberries clustered around the center for a vibrant look.
- Drizzle a little strawberry sauce or jam around the plate to create an eye-catching effect.
Don't forget to slice the cake with a sharp knife for clean edges, enhancing its visual appeal even further. Happy baking!
Time Breakdown for Strawberry Shortcake Cake
Creating a delightful strawberry shortcake cake is an enjoyable process! To help you plan, here’s a quick time breakdown for each step.
Preparation Time
Spend about 25 minutes preparing ingredients and mixing the batter. Make sure everything is at room temperature for the best results!
Baking Time
Bake your cake layers for 18-22 minutes. It’s a quick process, so keep an eye on them to ensure they bake evenly.
Total Time
From start to finish, expect to invest around 1 hour and 15 minutes in making your delicious strawberry shortcake cake, including cooling time. Are you ready to impress your guests? For more tips on piecing it all together, check out this great resource from the USDA.
Nutritional Facts for Strawberry Shortcake Cake
Calories per Serving
Each slice of strawberry shortcake cake packs about 585 calories. While this indulgence may seem high, it’s perfect for a special occasion or a weekend treat with friends!
Sugar Content
With a total of 37 grams of sugar, the sweetness of fresh strawberries and creamy frosting shines through. It's a delightful balance that satisfies your sweet tooth without overwhelming your palate.
Protein and Fat Breakdown
For those mindful of their macros, this cake offers 7 grams of protein and 36 grams of fat, with 23 grams being saturated fat. Enjoying this cake in moderation allows you to indulge while still keeping your nutritional goals in sight.
For more insights on enjoying dessert while maintaining a balanced diet, check out resources like the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health for expert nutrition advice.
FAQs about Strawberry Shortcake Cake
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Absolutely! While fresh strawberries are ideal for a vibrant flavor, you can use frozen strawberries, especially if they’re out of season. Just remember to thaw them and squeeze out excess moisture to prevent the cake from becoming soggy. For tips on using frozen fruit in baking, check out this resource from The Spruce Eats.
How to store leftover cake?
To keep your strawberry shortcake cake fresh, cover it well and store it in the refrigerator. If you have multiple layers with frosting, it's best to use a cake dome or wrap it in plastic wrap to maintain moisture. It’ll stay delicious for about 2-3 days, though it’s always best enjoyed fresh!
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Bake the layers a day before and refrigerate them wrapped in wax paper and plastic wrap. Just wait to assemble your cake until serving day to keep it looking its best and tasting fresh. If you're keen to make the frosting ahead too, just remember to re-whip it before assembly for the fluffiest texture.
Conclusion on Strawberry Shortcake Cake
In summary, making a delicious strawberry shortcake cake from scratch is not only rewarding but also a fantastic way to impress friends and family. With fresh strawberries and a creamy frosting, this cake is perfect for any gathering. Don’t hesitate to make it your own and enjoy every slice!
Strawberry Shortcake Cake
Equipment
- stand mixer
- 8-inch Cake Pans
- whisk
- mixing bowls
- measuring cups
- measuring spoons
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
Cake
- 2.5 cups all purpose flour spooned and leveled
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1.75 cups granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup vegetable or canola oil
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 2 large egg whites room temperature
- 2.5 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 0.5 teaspoon almond extract optional, but highly recommended
- 0.67 cup sour cream
- 0.75 cup milk preferably whole or 2%, room temperature
Filling
- 3 cups sliced or diced fresh strawberries divided
- 2 tablespoons strawberry jam
- additional whole strawberries for garnish, optional
Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened to cool room temp
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 0.75 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2.25 cups heavy whipping cream really cold, straight from the fridge
Instructions
Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt until combined. Set aside.
- Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or a hand mixer, beat sugar, oil, eggs, egg whites, and extracts until combined. Add the sour cream and beat until combined. Add half of the flour mixture, beating until just combined. While still beating, slowly add milk, then the remaining flour mixture. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. Be careful not to overmix.
- Line three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper and grease the pans. Evenly divide the batter between the three pans. Tap/gently drop the pans on the countertop a couple times to remove any air bubbles.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If necessary, rotate the pans once during bake time to ensure even browning. Place the pans on a rack to cool completely.
Filling
- Combine the strawberries and jam and set aside. You'll need about 3 cups total.
Frosting
- Place the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl. Using a stand mixer with a whisk attachment or hand mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed until smooth. While the mixer is still whipping, slowly pour the heavy cream down the side of the bowl. Stop and scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl periodically. Increase the speed to high and continue whipping until the cream can hold a stiff peak.
Assembly
- Place one layer of cake on a platter. Top with one-third of the frosting, then top with about 1¼ cups of strawberries. Place another layer of cake on top and repeat. For the third/top layer of cake, top with remaining whipped cream frosting, then place the remaining strawberries in the center. Decorate the outside with whole strawberries, if desired.
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